"There is a time and place for everything in our lives. My time and place
as head of ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs is nearing its end.
My contract ends on Jan. 3, 2011, and I will not be renewing. I have
nearly six months of accumulated leaves so I will go on terminal leave
beginning Nov. 15.
It’s time for me to move on, but it’s important we transition properly and
prepare our organization – and its new leader – for the challenges ahead.
Ging Reyes will be taking over as news head. She will be arriving in
Manila on Oct. 18 to begin our transition. Home-grown ABS-CBN, she has
more than twenty years experience as a journalist, the last eight years as
North America bureau chief. Please give her your full support as she takes
the helm of our multi-platform operations.
I want to thank you for six amazing, incredible years where we took risks
together to help define the future of journalism and our nation. We
decided to take a stand and say no to corruption; to embrace the growth of
social media; and to join hands with citizen journalists to patrol our
votes and our nation . Thank you for your trust and support, for following
me even when I tilt at windmills.
Journalism faces challenging days ahead. Value and protect your editorial
independence. I wish you clarity of thought, stamina, and courage to fight
for what is right and avoid the compromise of mediocrity.
You have taught me so much about what it means to be a Filipino. While my
time with this company is ending, one of the most precious things it has
given me are our friendships, which I hope will continue to grow even when
I’m no longer with ABS-CBN.
Maria Ressa